Country Chic Bridal Shoot

After months and months of anticipation, a bride's wedding day comes and goes in the blink of an eye. Before you know it, there is a barrage of flowers, ribbon, rushing bridesmaids, flashing photographers, cake, toasts and dancing uncles. Even the most observant and existential couple can find themselves wishing they had more time to take it all in.

Introducing: The Pre-Wedding Bridal Shoot.

A pre-wedding bridal shoot is something that any bride can take advantage of. With the help of a wedding coordinator, it's possible to do anything from a stressless day with a photographer taking photos in your wedding dress to a whole new theme, bouquet, dress, etc. The aim is simple: Get the most out of your wedding bliss with a relaxing and chic photo shoot.

Inspired by all our irresistably talented friends, Misty Damico of Luxe Event Productions and I concieved of a photo shoot that highlighted a bride's blushing beauty, fabulous photography and videography, striking floral work and a theme that diverged from my actual day-of wedding motif (which was 6/25/11, and yes, there will be a blog about it soon!).

With a Country Chic theme, we planned a full-day of shooting on Portland's Sauvie's Island. The morning began with makeup by Kimmie Nyguen of Bouffant Salon and hair by Yen Nyguen of Bel Amici Salon. The dress was from Charlotte's Weddings and More. And of course, no dress-up day is complete without accessories, beautiful bling earrings and a veil that was to die for, also from Charlotte's Weddings and More.

To set the tone, Misty designed a table setting with a patchwork table runner, country chic white plates, vintage hard candies and rattan coasters from Cost Plus World Market. Pink champagne and a seasonal fruit tart (instead of cake) finished off the delicious look. 

To document the entire event, photographer Alice Falzone of MOSCA Photo and videographer Karyn Reohr of Black Label Films, graced us with their presence and blew our minds with their stunning photos and extraordinary film. 

Of course, the true star of the shoot was the explosively colorful and fragrant bouquet by Hailey Bernstein of Zest Floral. Hailey also created the drool-worthy boutonnieres at the beginning of this post.

After all was said and done, our Country Chic Bridal Shoot was a beautiful success. And it's completely attainable by any bride who would love to spend a day commemorating such a special time in their life.

Big thanks to all our vendors: 

Art Direction, Styling and Design: Misty Damico, Luxe Event Production
Photographer: Alice Falzone, MOSCA Photo
Videographer: Karyn Reohr, Black Label Films
Hair: Yen Nyguen, Bel Amici Salon
Makeup: Kimmie Nyguen, Bouffant Salon
Floral: Hailey Bernstein, Zest Floral
Wedding Gown, Accessories and Veil: Charlotte's Weddings and More
Rentals: The Party Place
Fruit Tart: Safeway Bakery
Table Setting: Cost Plus World Market
Location: Sauvie Island

(L to R: Samantha Ross: Oregon Bride Magazine, Misty Damico: Luxe Event Productions, Alice Falzone: MOSCA Photo, Karyn Reohr: Black Label Films)